A training company based in Melbourne has put two Toyota Huski skid-steer loaders to good use as part of a Victorian government up-skilling initiative.

Construction Training Group (CTG) was awarded a 12-month contract to provide government-subsidised training for 1000 eligible operators. The Rowville firm says its courses are now booked out for several months.

CTG was founded in 2002 by Jim Gascoigne as Gascoigne Training and Jim’s son-in-law Darren Heyne joined the company in 2008. Today the company continues to support the building and construction industry as has been recognised as leading training provider for both individuals and organisations.

The group needed two skid-steers to train the operators in and settled on two Toyota Huski 5SDK5 models. Toyota says the 430kg 5SDK5 is the most popular model in its class and would be a model encountered by the trainees once out on the job.

The 5SDK5 is powered by a 22kW Yanmar 3TNE88 diesel and is capable of 11km/h speeds in both forward and reverse. The machine also has full ROPS/FOPS guards, a two-point seatbelt, multiple safety interlock system, shock-reducing bucket and other safety features. The skid-steer has a clearance circle of just 1700mm including bucket, making it suitable for cramped urban construction sites.

CTG says the company chose the 5SDK5 based on Toyota’s reputation.

"Toyota has a good name, one that's synonymous with quality and reliability, so we knew the Huskis would serve us well," group director Darren Heyne says.

CTG worked with Toyota Materials Handling Australia (TMHA) in purchasing the Huski and TMHA also provide extensive after sales service to CTG.

"TMHA services the loaders on site with our mobile service vans. The 5SDK5 has a 250-hour service interval, which helps keep servicing costs down," TMHA sales manager Tom Machar says.